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Tiglic acid: An Ester.
Esters: Mainly found in small amounts in flowers, Esters are
responsible for the characteristic fragrances of the flowers and volatile oils. Esters
are mostly sedative and antispasmodic and generally non-irritant and mild,
although some, like Methyl Salicylate, found in wintergreen, are more irritant. |
Angelic acid: An Ester Esters: Mainly found in small amounts in flowers, Esters are
responsible for the characteristic fragrances of the flowers and volatile oils. Esters
are mostly sedative and antispasmodic and generally non-irritant and mild,
although some, like Methyl Salicylate, found in wintergreen, are more irritant.
Chamazulene: A blue sesquiterpene. A hydrocarbon used in skin
conditioners
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Sesquiterpenes: When sesquiterpenes occur in essential oils it
is mostly in combination with monoterpenes. Sesquiterpenes have a higher melting
point than monoterpenes. Sesquiterpenes are anaesthetic, antifungal,
antiseptic and antibacterial. |
Cineole: One of the two most important Monoterpene Oxides, the
other is Ascaridole, Cineole is one of the most widely distributed constituents
amongst plants as an oxidised product of monoterpenes. Cineole is often also
called Eucalyptol, named so because it is the major component of Eucalyptus oil. Cineole
is a expectorant widely used in commercial cough lozenges. It has a reputation
as a skin irritant amongst many practitioners but recent tests have failed to
confirm this. Pinene: Commonly found in Oil of Turpentine extracted from Pinus
specie trees, pinene (alpha-pinene and beta-pinene) is also widely distributed
in other plants. It is used for Rheumatism as a liniment but is best known by
Aromatherapists and a tonic of the mucus membranes of the respiratory system.
Pinene is also important for its pleasant fragrance and is believed to have
diuretic properties by many. Isobutylamides: Part of the Alkamides group Isobutylamides are
insecticidal and has a saliva flow stimulant effect on humans. Isobutalmides are
toxic to many insects including flies and mosquitos
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Alkamides: Formed by amines combining with unsaturated fatty
acids Alkamides cause the stinging, peppery, sensation on the tongue associated
with peppers and chillies. Because of the taste Alkamides are easily detected on
the tongue. Alkamides are carminative, stimulate the immune system,
sialagogue, spasmolytic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, digestive and a circulatory
stimulant. |
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